Answer #2

Hi Annie;

I live in San Vicente, right across the bridge from Bahia and go into Bahia often to visit friends, do business etc. The one thing that seems to make Bahia popular is its small size and ease of getting around. Many expats like being able to not have to have a car. Shopping, restaraunts, food and household stuff is all within easy walking, biking, or taxi distances. If more shopping is necessary, then Portoviejo or Manta are about 1 to 1.5 hours away by taxi. I choose to live in San Vicente since Bahia gets to loud for me…mostly condos lining the beach area and since its a nice small city it is also a vacation and holiday place so the noise level is fairly constant on weekends and during holiday seasons. If you have to be near a city then the only city I would recommend to you would be Bahia/San Vicente, however if you prefer a little more rural, quiet, peaceful and serene then up the coast further is where you want to look. The problem is with short or long term rentals in those areas but there are some if you look. I am building a development up the coast north of Jama and that area is very pristine but more rural. However this is the part of the coast that is enjoying international press coverage and is just now beginning to be in the sites of major development. If I can be of any assistance to you, please let me know. You can ask through the forum or you can contact me at larryp@vistapacificahomes.com
Larry